PMD661 with DPA 4021 Attenuation

[eman]

I'm borrowing a 661 for the Dead in Chicago. Should I run with any attenuation on the mics (on the mic preset menu)? There will be pretty high spls during drums. I'm assuming that this attenuation is in between the mic inputs and the preamp.

[acidjack]

I've run them at loud shows with a 660 a few times and never needed attenuation. DPAs don't run especially hot to begin with.

[eman]

Thanks much. Running battery life tests, having problems with card formatting. Any tips there? San Disk 32 Ultra. Format on the recorder or on the computer?

[aaronji]

I think you will need to use the attenuation from the mic preset menu, probably at the -18 dB setting.  Maybe you could go to -12, but I kind of doubt it.  Marantz is a little unusual in how they label these settings; the 0 dB setting is like "high" on many other recorders and the -18 dB is "low"...

[acidjack]

I think you will need to use the attenuation from the mic preset menu, probably at the -18 dB setting.  Maybe you could go to -12, but I kind of doubt it.  Marantz is a little unusual in how they label these settings; the 0 dB setting is like "high" on many other recorders and the -18 dB is "low"...

If this is the case then I'd trust what aaronji is saying. I don't recall using attenuation, but the 660 and the 661 may not be the same, and it was a long time ago...

FWIW I would always format a card on the actual deck that will be using it.

[rocksuitcase]

I think you will need to use the attenuation from the mic preset menu, probably at the -18 dB setting.  Maybe you could go to -12, but I kind of doubt it.  Marantz is a little unusual in how they label these settings; the 0 dB setting is like "high" on many other recorders and the -18 dB is "low"...

If this is the case then I'd trust what aaronji is saying. I don't recall using attenuation, but the 660 and the 661 may not be the same, and it was a long time ago...

FWIW I would always format a card on the actual deck that will be using it.

eman, with my 661 and AKG C460's on phantom I have all my mic in presets for -18 dB, apparently, this is in their literature or I found it in the 661 thread when i bought mine. As Aaron says, it is mainly a Marantz labeling issue, because the only time I recorded at 0 DB I was only able to set it at less than 1 before it clipped or overloaded.

As for formatting, you should look at the recs/specs. I've never used a 32 GB, but do use Sandisk 16 GB cards. I always use class 10 cards as well. I have had one card not format for my 661, it had been used in a digi camera and would not format at all. Try another card. and definitely format in the device.

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I have had issues running SD cards higher than 8GB and mostly run only 4GB cards on my PMD661, not sure how the MKII version of the 661 runs in comparison in re. to the SD cards? 

[MakersMarc]

I'm borrowing a 661 for the Dead in Chicago. Should I run with any attenuation on the mics (on the mic preset menu)? There will be pretty high spls during drums. I'm assuming that this attenuation is in between the mic inputs and the preamp.

Yes, -18 always. You won't have a problem.

[MakersMarc]

My understsnding is that you are controlling the gain and not attenuating, fwiw.

I've stuck with Dougs recommendation of Lexar Class ten with no issues. I use Platinun II 16 gb.

[rocksuitcase]

My understsnding is that you are controlling the gain and not attenuating, fwiw.

I've stuck with Dougs recommendation of Lexar Class ten with no issues. I use Platinun II 16 gb.

This is my understanding as well and I apologize for not correctly stating that.
Doug did recommend the Lexar, I bought a 8 GB one, but have also had very good luck with the Sandisks but ALWAYS class 10. FWIW, the card that wouldn't format was a PNY

[eman]

Very cool. Thanks for the tips.
I guess that means the preamps are in no danger of overloading, the "attenuation" is just to get the signal in range for the knob to work well.

[MakersMarc]

Not sure it make spractical difference, just being anal.

Doug also recommended sandisk I think. Just no reason to go cheap anymore, good cards are so cheap. I paid 60 bucks for two Lexar class 10 platinum II in 2011 and just paid 15 for the same thing last week from BH.

Think you'll be real happy with your loaner. With 4022s I tend to wind up around 6 on the dial to get -6 peaks, at 50-70 feet from loud rock. Great lo pro light rig and sounds great with the dpas imo.

[yug du nord]

I run an Oade mod 661 with internal setting at -18db.
32gb Sandisk Ultra class 4 card (15MB/s).
I only run 24/48...  never an issue.
Great deck!
Pull some heat man!!